Been wanting to visit the five provinces of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and discover its diverse and rich cultural heritage? Then, come and visit the ARMM Cultural Villages located inside the ORG Compound in Cotabato City.
Officially launched last June 18 and is part of this year’s Pakaradjaan celebration, the ARMM Cultural Villages celebrates the diversity of cultures in the region, rich traditions, history, and the oneness of Muslim Mindanao. It features five mock villages representing the five component provinces of ARMM namely Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.
The Basilan Village which uses the tagline “Weavers of Peace” showcases the artistry and unique talents of its people. The Yakans are known as the finest weavers in Southern Philippines, their famed Yakan cloth or Tennun is highlighted all over the village. Guest and visitors can witness the actual weaving, as well as be amazed with their music and dances.
The mock village of Lanao del Sur, the home of the Maranaos, carries the slogan “Lanao Rising”, conveying an important message that the province will rise from the catastrophe of Marawi siege.
Paintings of the Sarimanok, the popular mythical bird of the Maranaos can be seen at the façade of the village and welcomes every visitors. The village features a replica of the Torogan, the traditional royal house of the Maranaos, which is decorated with intricately carved panolong, a house ornament that resembles a butterfly wing, as well as other interesting Maranao creations. Traditional Maranao delicacies, okir-designed wooden artifacts and brasswares, and landap, their popular malong design are sold at the village.
At the Maguindanao Village, the main attraction is the replica of a Tulugan or the House of the Sultan. It is adorned with the traditional weaves of the Maguindanaoans such as Inaul, Tudung and Galang. Inside the village, visitors can also find various traditional musical instruments including Gandingan and Kulintang, a wide collection of brasswares, and two of Maguindanao’s well-preserved artifacts - the largest Kampilan (sword) and the Lantaka (cannon). Also in the Maguindanao village is a replica of the Quirino Bridge and Padian, or market.
The Sulu Village is the largest structure among the five villages built this year. Tagged as the Pearl of Sulu Sea, the village of the Tausugs, highlights the Astanah Darul Jambangan, a wooden life-size replica of the royal palace of the Sultanate of Sulu. Inside the village, visitors can learn about the province’s rich history with its information areas, and be amazed with its arts, flags, handicrafts, swords and traditional delicacies.
The Tawi-Tawi village dubbed as the “Island Paradise” is the simplest village among the participating provinces this year. The village depict the real life in Tawi-Tawi – peaceful and simple. Inside the village is a replica of Sheikh Karimul Makhdum Mosque, the first mosque in the Philippines, and showcases the different attractions in Tawi-Tawi including the white sand beach of Panampangan, Bud Bongao, and Tabu, or the public market. Also featured is the famed baluy making or mat-weaving in Tawi-Tawi.
Discover and experience Muslim Mindanao. Visit the ARMM Cultural Villages at ORG Compound in Cotabato City today. Each village have its daily activities and will be open to the public until the end of December.
Officially launched last June 18 and is part of this year’s Pakaradjaan celebration, the ARMM Cultural Villages celebrates the diversity of cultures in the region, rich traditions, history, and the oneness of Muslim Mindanao. It features five mock villages representing the five component provinces of ARMM namely Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.